Five Counties Children’s Centre staff members Maddie Jackson (far left) and Lyn Giles (far right) are joined by Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith (second from left) and Julie and Aaron Grant (holding his son Jude) in front of an outdoor billboard sign encouraging support for the children’s treatment centre.
A $135,200 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation is helping Five Counties Children’s Centre provide essential therapy services to more children. The grant, awarded in 2023, has allowed the Centre to enhance its fundraising and communications, doubling donations to $1.2 million in the past year.
“The OTF grant has been transformative,” said CEO Scott Pepin. “It’s helped us reduce wait times and expand access to physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy for children across Peterborough, Cobourg, and beyond.”
MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha Dave Smith tells us about the impact of the OTF investment.
A key component of the grant funded a new position focused on fundraising and communication, boosting donor engagement.
Director of Fund Development Lyn Giles tells us about the impact on services.
It also supported a multi-media advertising campaign coinciding with the Centre’s annual holiday appeal, highlighting client success stories like that of young Jude Grant.
Jude has received therapy at Five Counties since he was four months old. His mother, Julie, praised the Centre for its welcoming environment and life-changing impact.
MPP Dave Smith commended the Centre’s efforts, stating, “This investment by the Ontario Trillium Foundation ensures children and families in our region receive vital support close to home.”
Smith calls it a crucial investment in local children’s health.
Five Counties served over 6,100 clients last year and reduced its wait list by 11%.
For more information or to support Five Counties Children’s Centre, visit their website at: Home – Five Counties Children’s Centre
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
